At Bar Futara in Ginza 7-chome, we held a table and chair style tea ceremony, 'Machiyoi Tsuki no Chakai' (Tea Gathering on the Eve of the Mid-Autumn Full Moon). This tea gathering, organized by Kodansha's alumni group, 'Kodansha Shayukai,' with the cooperation of NPO Kissako Cha Know You, embraced the theme of 'Machiyoi Tsuki,' in anticipation of the mid-autumn full moon. Conducted in two sessions at 11 AM and 3 PM for Shayukai members, the gatherings saw participation from 8 and 9 individuals respectively. The tea masters for the event were Urasenke Professor Horiyama Soei and Omotesenke Instructor Iwata Sogen, both esteemed members of the Shayukai. The gathering commenced with a lunch and a toast, marking the monthly memorial day of Sen no Rikyu on the 28th and highlighting Takahashi Soan's historic efforts to transform Gokoku-ji Temple near Kodansha into a sacred tea ceremony site akin to Kyoto's Daitoku-ji, which included the construction of numerous tea rooms in the early 20th century. Post-lunch, participants were treated to 'Tsuki no Hana Usagi,' a delicate mochi by Ikko-an in Koishikawa. Iwata Sogen showcased the thick tea (koicha) preparation, followed by serving 'Susuki' and 'Kine' dry sweets from the same confectioner, with Horiyama Soei demonstrating the thin tea (usucha) preparation. Participants also had the opportunity to engage in preparing thin tea, a novel experience for many, who enthusiastically embraced the task of handling the bamboo ladle and whisk to make their tea. The event was marked by a warm and convivial atmosphere, with lively conversations as everyone relished their tea ceremony experience. The afternoon session featured a change in tea masters, with Horiyama Soei presenting the thick tea and Iwata Sogen the thin tea, making the tea whisking experience even more dynamic and interactive."